Sochi, Russia, 10 February 2014 - Following a productive IOC Session in Sochi, FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° outlined his
vision for volleyball to take a leading role in helping to actively contribute
to the development of the Olympic Movement, through constant innovation and
reform.

Speaking at a media round-table just three days
after the official opening of the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, President
Graça said: "As President, it is important for me to be in
Sochi to give the FIVB a clear voice at this crucial time in the development of
the Olympic Movement. It has been clear in the discussions that have taken
place over the past few days that we are about to embark on a period of
significant change. The FIVB is fully committed to the Olympic Agenda 2020 and
we are keen to use the experience we have gained and successes we have achieved
to help the IOC in the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

With volleyball already proven as one of the most
popular Olympic sports and a key player in the Olympic Movement, President
Graça is committed to reinforcing the sport’s position in the lead up to Rio
2016 where beach volleyball in particular will be a signature event.

President Graça said: “It is our vision for
volleyball to be a modern and innovative sport which is popular for all sports
fans of all ages around the world. By constantly innovating and embracing the
very latest sports industry technology we want to expand the boundaries of
sports entertainment and provide a true spectacle for all spectators. More than
this we want to deliver a sport which inspires and motivates young people
around the world to participate in sport and stimulates social change. We are
always looking at ways of engaging fresh audiences and we recently launched a
new corporate social responsibility programme which will allow volleyball and
beach volleyball to reach new markets and open doors to new countries in Africa
and Asia.

“We recognise that to reach these audiences that we
must also be innovative in our communication. This is critical in order to
engage a wider and younger volleyball fan base and introduce new audiences to
the world of volleyball, and this is why the FIVB is increasingly active on the
communication front, especially in social media.”